Reds Reunion a success

Dave DiLorenzo (left), an experienced sports caster who has broadcast many professional sports events who has also done voice-overs for the NFL films, enjoys a lighter moment with long-time Reds fan Al Bucci at Sunday’s Reds Heritage Society Reunion at Goddard Memorial State Park.

Ray Clearwater (center), a former pro hockey players who starred in 214 NHL games, explains some phases of his famed career with Dick Bartlett (right), a Warwick resident an Reds Society board member, at last Friday evening’s special social at the Hampton Inn & Suites Hotel on Post Road as his wife Judy looks on.

This scene was commonplace Sunday at Goddard Memorial, State Park in Warwick, where the Rhode Island Reds Heritage Society held its 12th annual reunion. Above, one-time Reds great and NHL Hall of Fame goalie Johnny Bower (right) chats with several fans after signing some pieces of memorabilia. Warwick Beacon photos by Pete Fontaine

Posted
Thursday, August 9, 2012 1:00 pm

The 12th annual Rhode Island Reds Heritage Society Reunion was a smashing success. An overflow crowd of more than 300 people filled the inside – and even occupied tables outside of the one-time Goddard Memorial Park carousel building – to pay tribute and honor nearly 36 former professional hockey players.

The star-studded lineup was headlined by former Reds great John “Johnny” William Bower. Bower, who was enshrined in the NHL Hall of Fame in 1976, came to Warwick from his home in Canada on what society officials call “The Bower Bus” that was filled with a host of former Reds and pro hockey players.

“This may have been our best reunion ever,” said Dick Bartlett, a Warwick resident and member of the society’s board of directors. “This reunion was filled with three great days of fun, food and fellowship.”